Governor Unveils Signs Banning
Large Trucks from Local Roads

Gov. Christie Whitman today unveiled the first of the state's new signs warning that large interstate trucks are prohibited from using state and county roadways as through routes or short cuts between National Network highways at an event at the northbound side of Interstate 95 at the Scudders Fall Bridge in Ewing Township.

"Big trucks were built for major interstates - not for local roads," the Governor said. "With the new signs, we make it official: The State of New Jersey now prohibits large interstate trucks from using our local roads as through routes or shortcuts between national interstate routes."

"Large trucks that are not doing business in New Jersey have no business using local roads in New Jersey. We're not outlawing these trucks. But we're saying the only times they can travel local roads in New Jersey are for pickups and deliveries or for food, fuel, and other truck services," she said.

"We're getting it under control now - before it gets worse. We will start enforcing the ban immediately, and I will work with the Legislature to set tough fines for anyone who violates it," Gov. Whitman said.

The new signs advise through trucks that they are required to stay on the National Network. The signs will be erected at 15 entrance locations to the state of New Jersey this week. Additional signs will be added to other locations on an as- needed basis by the Department of Transportation (NJDOT) throughout the state.

The truck ban went into effect on July 16, when Gov. Whitman signed emergency regulations. Under the new regulations, large interstate trucks that are not making deliveries in New Jersey will be directed to use highways that are part of the National Network. The National Network is a system of highways specifically identified as appropriate for use by large interstate trucks. The National Network is primarily comprised of interstate highways.